[pyrnet] Re: Sleepless nights

[Carol Brescher <carol@pyr.uniflex.net>]

Marcia,

Congratulations on having a 13 yo Pyr. I love these old guys who have
been around so long they are part and parcel of your family.

We had a similar problem with our Patou as he got older. He would
not want to come in on the cold nights. This is a dangerous situation
for an older dog since they begin to loose their ability to control their
body temps, and can suffer unduly with excessive heat or cold. At
the same time, according to my vet, the cold seems to give some
relief to their arthritis. She is probably trying to go outside where she
probably feels better, and where she may have softer ground than
whatever is on your floor in the house.

You cannot let her stay outside overnight, especially with winter coming.
I would try to put her in one of the cooler rooms of your house, but
not so cold that it would chill her. I would also try giving her a soft
plush bed to sleep on if she wants, and scheduling her meds for the
arthritis (if you can) so that they take effect in the early evening. I would
also
try some massage in the early evening, especially if the area with arthritis is
localized and can be easily manipulated.

If she really gets agitated when you won't let her out, you also may want
to try some Rescue Remedy to help her calm down.

But whatever you do, do not give in to her wish to spend overnight
outside. It is just too risky.

Regards,

Carol
carol@naturaldogfood.com


>
> Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with a senior pyr (13) who =
> no longer wants to sleep at night or stay indoors at night?  We are =
> getting exhausted!!  Although our pyr has always stayed indoors at =
> night, in the past six months she has become very restless to the point =
> of being destructive indoors at night.  While we were able to tie her up =
> outside during the summer, now that the rainy season is upon us, that =
> really isn't an option.  She absolutely hates being confined in a =
> kennel.